Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Piping and Pipeline Engineering MTO

2. Importance of Material Take-Off (MTO) in Engineering Projects

3. Key Components of Piping and Pipeline MTO

4. MTO Process in Piping and Pipeline Engineering

   • Steps for Accurate MTO Creation

   • Common Challenges and Solutions

5. Piping and Pipeline Standards for MTO

   • ASME Standards for Piping MTO

   • International Standards for Pipeline MTO

6. Best Practices for MTO in Industry Applications

   • MTO in the Oil and Gas Industry

   • Piping MTO for Chemical Plants

7. MTO Software Tools and Solutions

8. FAQs

   • What is the role of MTO in pipeline construction?

   • How do standards like ASME influence MTO?

   • What are the common mistakes in MTO and how can they be avoided?

   • How can MTO accuracy be improved in large projects?

   • What software tools are available for MTO?

   • How does MTO contribute to cost estimation and project planning?

1. Introduction to Piping and Pipeline Engineering MTO

Material Take-Off (MTO) is a critical process in piping and pipeline engineering, ensuring that all necessary materials are identified and quantified for construction projects. MTO is fundamental to project planning, cost estimation, and procurement, making it a vital component in the success of any engineering project.

In the context of piping and pipeline engineering, MTO involves a detailed assessment of the materials required, based on the engineering drawings and project specifications. This guide provides an in-depth look into the MTO process, standards, best practices, and its applications in various industries.

2. Importance of Material Take-Off (MTO) in Engineering Projects

MTO serves as the foundation for accurate project planning and cost control in piping and pipeline engineering. It helps in:

• Budgeting and Cost Estimation: By identifying the exact quantity of materials needed, MTO enables precise budgeting and reduces the risk of cost overruns.

• Procurement Planning: MTO provides a clear roadmap for procurement, ensuring that materials are ordered and delivered on time.

• Project Scheduling: Accurate MTO facilitates efficient project scheduling, as it allows for the timely availability of materials at different stages of the construction process.

• Risk Management: By forecasting material requirements, MTO helps in mitigating risks related to material shortages, delays, and cost escalations.

  
  

3. Key Components of Piping and Pipeline MTO

Creating a comprehensive MTO requires the identification and quantification of various components, including:

• Piping: Pipes of different sizes and materials, elbows, tees, reducers, and other fittings.

• Valves: Various types of valves such as gate, globe, check, and control valves.

• Flanges: Different flange types like weld neck, slip-on, socket weld, and blind flanges.

• Gaskets and Fasteners: Gaskets for sealing and fasteners for joining components.

• Supports and Hangers: Required for maintaining the stability and alignment of the piping system.

• Specialty Items: Instruments, insulation, and other special materials that may be required for specific projects.

Subsea Piping Manifold MTO with accurate details of materials and quantities

Onshore/ Topsides Piping Manifold MTO with accurate details of materials and quantities

4. MTO Process in Piping and Pipeline Engineering

The MTO process involves several critical steps to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Steps for Accurate MTO Creation

1. Reviewing Engineering Drawings: The first step involves thoroughly reviewing the P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), isometric drawings, and general arrangement drawings.

An isometric drawing of a piping system, essential for accurate Material Take-Off (MTO) in engineering projects.

1. Material Specification: Identifying the material specifications for pipes, fittings, valves, and other components as per the project requirements.

2. Quantification: Counting and measuring the required quantities of materials based on the drawings.

3. Documentation: Creating detailed MTO sheets that list all materials, their quantities, and specifications.

4. Validation and Cross-Checking: Ensuring the accuracy of the MTO through validation and cross-checking with the design team and project engineers.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Incomplete Drawings: Incomplete or inaccurate drawings can lead to errors in MTO. Regular coordination with the design team and periodic updates to drawings can mitigate this issue.

• Changes in Design: Design changes during the project can affect MTO accuracy. Implementing a change management process helps in updating the MTO accordingly.

• Human Error: Manual errors in quantification can lead to significant discrepancies. Using automated MTO software can reduce the risk of human error.

  
  

5. Piping and Pipeline Standards for MTO

Standards play a crucial role in ensuring consistency and quality in MTO. Here are some key standards to consider:

ASME Standards for Piping MTO

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides guidelines and standards that are widely adopted in piping and pipeline engineering. Some relevant ASME standards include:

• ASME B31.3: Process Piping

• ASME B31.4: Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries

• ASME B31.8: Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

These standards dictate the materials, design, construction, and testing of piping systems, influencing the MTO process by defining the specifications for materials and components.

International Standards for Pipeline MTO

In addition to ASME, other international standards impact MTO in pipeline projects:

• ISO 13623: Petroleum and natural gas industries – Pipeline transportation systems.

• API 5L: Specification for Line Pipe.

• DNVGL-ST-F101: Submarine Pipeline Systems.

Adherence to these standards ensures that the materials specified in the MTO meet the required safety, reliability, and quality standards.

6. Best Practices for MTO in Industry Applications

The MTO process can vary significantly depending on the industry. Here are some best practices tailored to specific sectors:

MTO in the Oil and Gas Industry

• Detailed Specifications: The oil and gas industry often requires materials that can withstand harsh environments. Detailed specifications in MTO are crucial for selecting the right materials.

• Vendor Collaboration: Close collaboration with vendors ensures that the materials meet industry standards and are delivered on time.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all materials and processes comply with relevant regulations and standards is essential to avoid legal and operational issues.

Engineers at a construction site reviewing P&ID and MTO sheets to ensure accurate material procurement and project execution.

Piping MTO for Chemical Plants

• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Chemical plants often require materials that resist corrosion. The MTO should specify materials that meet these requirements.

• Safety Considerations: Safety is paramount in chemical plants. The MTO must account for safety-critical components like emergency shutdown valves and pressure relief devices.

• Flexibility for Modifications: Chemical processes can evolve, requiring modifications to the piping system. The MTO should include provisions for future changes.

  
  

7. MTO Software Tools and Solutions

With the complexity of modern engineering projects, manual MTO processes can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Several software tools are available to streamline the MTO process:

• Intergraph Smart® Materials: A comprehensive materials management solution that supports the entire project lifecycle.

• AVEVA Bocad: Offers 3D design and MTO extraction for complex piping systems.

A 3D model of a piping in MTO software, streamlining material quantification and procurement processes

• Autodesk Revit: While primarily a design tool, Revit offers MTO capabilities for piping and pipeline projects.

• Hexagon PPM: Provides MTO solutions integrated with project management and procurement functions.

These tools not only enhance accuracy but also integrate with other project management systems, facilitating seamless workflows from design to construction.

8. FAQs

1. What is the role of MTO in pipeline construction?

MTO is crucial in pipeline construction as it determines the exact materials required, ensuring efficient procurement, cost control, and timely project execution.

2. How do standards like ASME influence MTO?

Standards like ASME provide guidelines on material selection, design, and construction practices, ensuring that the MTO aligns with industry norms and safety requirements.

3. What are the common mistakes in MTO and how can they be avoided?

Common mistakes include incomplete material lists, incorrect quantities, and outdated specifications. These can be avoided by thorough validation, regular updates, and using automated tools for MTO.

4. How can MTO accuracy be improved in large projects?

MTO accuracy in large projects can be improved through cross-functional team collaboration, regular audits, and leveraging advanced software tools for precise quantification.

5. What software tools are available for MTO?

Software tools like Intergraph Smart® Materials, AVEVA Bocad, Autodesk Revit, and Hexagon PPM are available for enhancing the MTO process, offering features like 3D modeling, automated quantification, and integration with procurement systems.

6. How does MTO contribute to cost estimation and project planning?

MTO provides a detailed list of materials and their quantities, which is essential for accurate cost estimation and efficient project planning. It helps in budgeting, scheduling, and risk management by ensuring that all material needs are accounted for from the outset.